Hardening Off Seed-Grown Plants in the Spring

Hardening Off Seed-Grown Plants in the Spring

You’ve your seeds sprout, grow true leaves and get taller. In your controlled environment, your seedlings have enjoyed a relatively stress-free life, protected from the heat, cold, wind and rain. Without elemental exposure, your little seedlings lack the hardiness to be successfully transplanted; but you can change all that by starting the hardening-off process on your own.

Starting Seeds: Homegrown Value

Sowing Your Own Seeds – Part II

To sprout, most seeds prefer a temperature between 70 and 85 degrees (for specific temperatures, see the back of your seed packet). Seeds can be kept in any place that offers warmth. Windowsills can also work, but be sure to check them for drafts that could potentially end your seedling’s short life.

Starting Seeds Outdoors – Direct Sowing

Starting Seeds Outdoors – Direct Sowing

Some varieties of vegetable and flower seeds can be started outdoors. Preparation is an important factor in successful outdoor seed starting. The seed starting site should be in a suitable condition; the soil should be free of weeds, large stones and debris and be broken down as finely as possible to a fine tilth. This can be achieved by forking over the top few inches of soil, then raking it to as crumbly a texture as possible.

Grow Up! – The Vertical Vegetable Gard

The Minimalist Garden: Vegetable Seeds

Fresh veggies have lots of advantages. You know where they came from, you know what was put on them, and you will never get anything fresher. Ideally, you’ll want to start them from seed, so that you can be in complete control of your garden edibles. That’s why we’re focusing on vegetable seeds!